Following last Wednesday’s approval of N18 billion as Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen servicemen and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of Late Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu describing the decision as not only reassuring but also showed that they are “in the hearts of their compatriots”.
In a message by Ademulegun’s daughter, Mrs. Solape Ademulegun-Agbi, she however urged the government not to leave out Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, who died as far back as the first military coup on 15th January 1966, and the counter-coup six months after.
“Many of this category of Nigerians, especially their children, have gone through harrowing experiences. It is my belief that this policy will look beyond the nascent North East (Boko Haram) fallen heroes”, she said.
The Boko Haram insurgent started in July 2009.
Ademulegun was 41 years old when he and others were killed in the 15th January 1966 military coup that toppled Nigeria’s First Republic. A native of Ondo town, he was the Commander of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and was killed together with his wife, Mrs. Latifat Ademulegun when the coupists barged into his room.
Along with Major General Johnson (JTU) Aguiyi-Ironsi, Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari and Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe, Ademulegun was among those vying for the top army post of General Officer Commanding (GOC) in 1965 upon the retirement of the expatriate GOC. He was considered friendly with the then Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, which brought distaste to some junior officers who frowned at their commander fraternising with politicians.
Announcing the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements at the launch of the Emblem Appeal for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the State House, Abuja last week, President Tinubu said that it was in “appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces, and to underscore the government’s commitment to their welfare”.
Ademulegun-Agbi wrote: “I commend President Bola Tinubu for approving the sum of N18 billion as Assurance Policy for the families of our fallen heroes. It is quite reassuring that they have a place in the hearts of compatriots.
“Many of this category of Nigerians, especially their children, have gone through harrowing experiences. It is my belief that this policy will look beyond the nascent North East (Boko Haram) fallen heroes.
“I urge those responsible for the management of this policy to remember heroes past who died in active service, decades ago. Children and dependents of heroes of the 1966 coup and counter coup, should not be forgotten, as they were denied full parental care from very tender ages.
“The Ademuleguns, for instance, lost their parents in the 15th January 1966 coup. The last two children, were just four and six years old, at the time. Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun (NA3), was Commander 1 Brigade, Kaduna. He served Nigeria with passion and, in 1964, led troops to Tanzania to quell a mutiny. That was after duty with United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in the Congo.
“His wife, Mrs. Latifat Ademulegun, a nurse, died with him, both shot by the coupists. This tragedy did not deter their first son from joining the Nigerian Air Force. Late Frank Ademulegun (NAF 294) retired as a Group Captain.
“Mention must be made of Brigadier Zakari Maimalari, Colonels Kuru Mohammed, Raph Shodeinde, Lt. Colonels Yakubu Pam, Arthur Unegbe, Abogo Largema who lost their lives in the first coup and many others including Lt. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi who died in the second coup of 1966.
“The horrors of those events left deep cuts in the hearts of these families. The Ademuleguns were orphaned so early.
“Once again, I salute the Commander- in-Chief for this soothing balm”.
